Should Mariners be interested in Hideki Matsui?

World Series MVP Hideki Matsui could be looking for a new team this offseason as he hits free agency. Should the Mariners be interested? (Getty Images/Chris McGrath)

Speculation keeps arising that Hideki Matsui, fresh off his World Series MVP performance for the New York Yankees, would be a logical fit with the Mariners now that his contract has expired in the Big Apple.

It shouldn’t take long to sort this one out, as if the Mariners indeed are interested in Matsui, surely they don’t need Griffey occupying the same designated hitter role.

If Griffey re-signs with the M’s before his 40th birthday on Nov. 21, cross Matsui off the wish list. But it’s an interesting baseball discussion.

Should Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik pursue Matsui, at 35, as a veteran left-handed bat for the middle of the Mariners’ lineup? Matsui will come at a much steeper price than Griffey at this point and will command a multi-year contract, but he also is five years younger and coming off a better season after rebounding from a pair of knee surgeries himself.